“Today marks the beginning of the next phase of leadership in building an advanced energy economy for California and the nation,” said Graham Richard, CEO of Advanced Energy Economy, a national business association with many member companies operating in California. “As signed by Governor Brown, this law will take California to new heights in renewable energy and energy efficiency, setting the pace for the nation. California has already shown that ambitious energy and climate goals drive innovation, creating economic growth and jobs. This new law will show that greater ambition produces greater economic rewards, for the state and the country.”

In a groundbreaking survey commissioned by the Advanced Energy Economy Institute, a nonprofit educational organization affiliated with AEE, advanced energy employment in California was documented as 431,000 workers in 2014, with significant employment found in all areas of the state. Employers reported 5 percent growth in advanced energy-related jobs over 2013, and projected 17 percent growth in employment for 2015.

The advanced energy industry actively supported SB 350, including a lobby day in mid-August, where 30 advanced energy company representatives called on the Governor’s office, Senate offices and Assembly members. On Aug. 20, AEE convened energy leaders from industry, utilities, agencies and the State Capitol at AEE’s Pathway to 2050, the organization’s third annual event in Sacramento focusing on the challenges and opportunities for business growth arising from California’s nation-leading climate and energy commitments. The national association earlier had convened industry and utility leaders to develop and publish a working group paper, Toward a 21st Century Electricity System for California, outlining new regulatory frameworks and utility business models to reach policy objectives, facilitate the deployment of new technologies, and offer new customer options.

About Advanced Energy EconomyAdvanced Energy Economy (AEE) is a national association of businesses making the energy we use secure, clean, and affordable. Advanced energy products and services include energy efficiency, demand response, natural gas electricity generation, solar, wind, hydro, electric vehicles, energy storage, biofuels, and smart grid. AEE’s mission is to transform public policy to enable rapid growth of advanced energy businesses. AEE works with member companies located and doing business in California to help the state reach its energy and climate goals by focusing on effective implementation, leveraging public dollars with private investment, and building public support. Visit AEE at www.aee.net.